In winter, care for your Snake Plant by watering less (every 3–5 weeks), keeping it in bright indirect light, and protecting it from cold drafts or temps below 50°F (10°C). Avoid fertilizing or repotting until spring.
Introduction
If your Snake Plant slows down in winter — don’t panic! That’s totally normal. This hardy houseplant (also called Sansevieria or Dracaena trifasciata) goes semi-dormant in colder months. I’ve kept Snake Plants for over a decade, and winter care is honestly so easy once you understand their rhythm.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your Snake Plant healthy and happy through the winter season — based on real experience, not just generic advice.
🌬️ 1. Adjust Watering: Less Is More
Snake Plants are prone to rot in winter if overwatered. Their roots store moisture like a camel — which is great for survival but risky if the soil stays soggy.
Winter Watering Rule of Thumb: 👉 Water every 3–5 weeks, only when the top 2–3 inches of soil are bone dry.
My tip: Stick your finger in the soil or use a moisture meter — don’t guess. I water mine once a month in Portland, but your frequency may vary depending on your home’s humidity and light levels.
🟡 Warning: If leaves are mushy or yellowing at the base, that’s often early rot from too much water. Let the soil dry completely and prune any soft spots.
☀️ 2. Maximize Winter Light
Even low-light lovers like Snake Plants need some sun to survive winter.
Do this:
- Move your plant closer to a bright window — ideally south or west-facing.
- Clean dusty leaves to help them photosynthesize better.
- Rotate the pot every 2 weeks for even growth.
💡 Optional: If your home is super dim, try a grow light for 6–8 hours a day. This one from Amazon has worked great for me — it’s affordable and doesn’t overheat.
🌡️ 3. Keep It Warm, But Not Toasty
Snake Plants can tolerate cool nights, but anything below 50°F (10°C) is risky. Cold drafts from windows or heaters can shock the plant.
Winter heat tips:
- Keep the plant away from radiators and vents (they dry out the air).
- Don’t place it right up against cold glass at night.
- Use a thermometer to monitor nighttime temps in your plant room.
🔥 Personal note: I once left mine too close to a cracked window overnight — the leaves turned soft and droopy by morning. Lesson learned!
🧪 4. Pause Fertilizer and Repotting
Snake Plants don’t need extra nutrients in winter — they’re resting!
- Skip fertilizer from October through March.
- Hold off on repotting unless it’s an emergency (like severe root rot).
🟢 Spring is the ideal time to resume feeding and give your Snake Plant a fresh start if needed.
🛡️ 5. Watch for Common Winter Issues
Here’s what to keep an eye on during the colder months:
| Problem | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Mushy base or leaves | Overwatering / root rot | Cut affected parts + dry out soil |
| Wrinkled leaves | Underwatering or cold stress | Move to warmer spot, water lightly |
| Droopy growth | Low light | Move closer to window or add light |
🪴 Bonus: Should You Move It Closer to a Humidifier?
Actually — nope. Unlike Calatheas or Ferns, Snake Plants don’t need extra humidity in winter. In fact, too much can lead to fungal problems. They’re desert natives and thrive in average indoor humidity (30–50%).
Conclusion: How to Care for Snake Plant in Winter
To care for your Snake Plant in winter, water sparingly, keep it warm and bright, and avoid fertilizer or repotting until spring. It’s one of the lowest-maintenance plants for a reason — just don’t love it too much with water!
🪴 Want more tips? Check out my full guide on Snake Plant Propagation Methods or learn why your Snake Plant might be drooping.
🌱 FAQs: Snake Plant Winter Care
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Should I water my Snake Plant less in winter?
Yes — water every 3–5 weeks, only when the soil is completely dry.
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Can Snake Plants survive in low light during winter?
Yes, but they do best near a bright window. Consider a grow light if it’s very dim.
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What temperature is too cold for a Snake Plant?
Anything below 50°F (10°C) can damage the plant.
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Do I need to mist my Snake Plant in winter?
No — misting isn’t necessary and might cause fungal issues.
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Should I fertilize in winter?
Nope! Pause all feeding until spring.